#attentionspan — Public Fediverse posts

How often do you sit through an entire #TVshow or #movie (not counting theater) without pausing it to get up and do something? Bathroom breaks excused. (I paused Star Trek to make this #poll). #ViewingHabits #AttentionSpan #boost

How often do you sit through an entire #TVshow or #movie (not counting theater) without pausing it to get up and do something? Bathroom breaks excused. (I paused Star Trek to make this #poll). #ViewingHabits #AttentionSpan #boost

How often do you sit through an entire #TVshow or #movie (not counting theater) without pausing it to get up and do something? Bathroom breaks excused. (I paused Star Trek to make this #poll). #ViewingHabits #AttentionSpan #boost

How often do you sit through an entire #TVshow or #movie (not counting theater) without pausing it to get up and do something? Bathroom breaks excused. (I paused Star Trek to make this #poll). #ViewingHabits #AttentionSpan #boost

How often do you sit through an entire #TVshow or #movie (not counting theater) without pausing it to get up and do something? Bathroom breaks excused. (I paused Star Trek to make this #poll). #ViewingHabits #AttentionSpan #boost

I fight doom scrolling every day, so I know the problem is real. But have we actually lost our focus? Most of us can still binge-watch an entire series.

The digital dementia worry is another one. Research suggests using the Internet reduces the risk of cognitive impairment in older adults.

Where do you think the panic about the Internet got ahead of itself, and where was it right?

https://www.ctnet.co.uk/internet-cognitive-ability/

#AttentionSpan #DigitalDementia #Internet #Technology #Focus

I fight doom scrolling every day, so I know the problem is real. But have we actually lost our focus? Most of us can still binge-watch an entire series.

The digital dementia worry is another one. Research suggests using the Internet reduces the risk of cognitive impairment in older adults.

Where do you think the panic about the Internet got ahead of itself, and where was it right?

https://www.ctnet.co.uk/internet-cognitive-ability/

#AttentionSpan #DigitalDementia #Internet #Technology #Focus

I fight doom scrolling every day, so I know the problem is real. But have we actually lost our focus? Most of us can still binge-watch an entire series.

The digital dementia worry is another one. Research suggests using the Internet reduces the risk of cognitive impairment in older adults.

Where do you think the panic about the Internet got ahead of itself, and where was it right?

https://www.ctnet.co.uk/internet-cognitive-ability/

#AttentionSpan #DigitalDementia #Internet #Technology #Focus

I fight doom scrolling every day, so I know the problem is real. But have we actually lost our focus? Most of us can still binge-watch an entire series.

The digital dementia worry is another one. Research suggests using the Internet reduces the risk of cognitive impairment in older adults.

Where do you think the panic about the Internet got ahead of itself, and where was it right?

https://www.ctnet.co.uk/internet-cognitive-ability/

#AttentionSpan #DigitalDementia #Internet #Technology #Focus

I fight doom scrolling every day, so I know the problem is real. But have we actually lost our focus? Most of us can still binge-watch an entire series.

The digital dementia worry is another one. Research suggests using the Internet reduces the risk of cognitive impairment in older adults.

Where do you think the panic about the Internet got ahead of itself, and where was it right?

https://www.ctnet.co.uk/internet-cognitive-ability/

#AttentionSpan #DigitalDementia #Internet #Technology #Focus

I was just thinking that Blipverts* used to be satirical, but these days are probably about the length of people's attention span.

____________
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Headroom_(TV_series)

#MaxHeadroom #Blipverts #AttentionSpan

I was just thinking that Blipverts* used to be satirical, but these days are probably about the length of people's attention span.

____________
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Headroom_(TV_series)

#MaxHeadroom #Blipverts #AttentionSpan

I was just thinking that Blipverts* used to be satirical, but these days are probably about the length of people's attention span.

____________
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Headroom_(TV_series)

#MaxHeadroom #Blipverts #AttentionSpan

I was just thinking that Blipverts* used to be satirical, but these days are probably about the length of people's attention span.

____________
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Headroom_(TV_series)

#MaxHeadroom #Blipverts #AttentionSpan

I was just thinking that Blipverts* used to be satirical, but these days are probably about the length of people's attention span.

____________
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Headroom_(TV_series)

#MaxHeadroom #Blipverts #AttentionSpan

🔥 Wow! A groundbreaking revelation: LLMs are the new "cognitive virus" - because who knew we needed another excuse for our declining attention spans? 😏 Nine authors bravely tackle the monumental task of telling us that AI is changing things, as if we hadn't noticed! 📚🚀
https://arxiv.org/abs/2609.03344 #cognitivevirus #AIimpact #attentionspan #innovation #storytelling #HackerNews #ngated

🔥 Wow! A groundbreaking revelation: LLMs are the new "cognitive virus" - because who knew we needed another excuse for our declining attention spans? 😏 Nine authors bravely tackle the monumental task of telling us that AI is changing things, as if we hadn't noticed! 📚🚀
https://arxiv.org/abs/2609.03344 #cognitivevirus #AIimpact #attentionspan #innovation #storytelling #HackerNews #ngated

🔥 Wow! A groundbreaking revelation: LLMs are the new "cognitive virus" - because who knew we needed another excuse for our declining attention spans? 😏 Nine authors bravely tackle the monumental task of telling us that AI is changing things, as if we hadn't noticed! 📚🚀
https://arxiv.org/abs/2609.03344 #cognitivevirus #AIimpact #attentionspan #innovation #storytelling #HackerNews #ngated

🔥 Wow! A groundbreaking revelation: LLMs are the new "cognitive virus" - because who knew we needed another excuse for our declining attention spans? 😏 Nine authors bravely tackle the monumental task of telling us that AI is changing things, as if we hadn't noticed! 📚🚀
https://arxiv.org/abs/2609.03344 #cognitivevirus #AIimpact #attentionspan #innovation #storytelling #HackerNews #ngated

🔥 Wow! A groundbreaking revelation: LLMs are the new "cognitive virus" - because who knew we needed another excuse for our declining attention spans? 😏 Nine authors bravely tackle the monumental task of telling us that AI is changing things, as if we hadn't noticed! 📚🚀
https://arxiv.org/abs/2609.03344 #cognitivevirus #AIimpact #attentionspan #innovation #storytelling #HackerNews #ngated

https://www.europesays.com/people/183968/ Apple CEO Tim Cook shares personal rule for screen time: ‘I get a report every week’ | People News #apple #AttentionSpan #BrainFatigue #DigitalWellness #focus #MentalHealth #NotificationManagement #ophthalmology #ParentingTips #PsychologicalImpact #ScreenTime #SmartphoneAddiction #TimCook

Do y'all remember when the internet used to be made up of blogs? When people had the attention span and the space in their day to just read things? The internet used to still feel magical enough that people would just spend time in their day, clicking around to various websites and reading the blogs and articles produced by everyday, regular people.

Not highly refined content made by people who turned the internet into their jobs. Just regular people, spitting out writing that had typos and was basically just okay. But for all the professional things that it *wasn't*, the one thing that it *was* is human. It was human. It wasn't corporate or professional. It wasn't designed like TV, to fill a void in your heart.

It was just something really interesting, and you could nourish your brain with.

I wasn't involved in the blog scene when it was really happening, I was too young, but I've witnessed those sites since then, the ones that are still around. I really think it would be cool if we could find a way to return to that kind of culture. Reading things, interacting, referencing the websites of other individuals. I want that indie culture of the internet back. Why is everyone I follow some giant celebrity who does content creation as their full-time job? Where's the authentic humanity in that?

If you run a blog, or know any good blogs that you follow, feel free to link them below. Specifically ones run by individuals that aren't some marketing funnel for a side gig.

#blog #enshittification #attentionSpan #newGoodInternet #indieWeb

Do y'all remember when the internet used to be made up of blogs? When people had the attention span and the space in their day to just read things? The internet used to still feel magical enough that people would just spend time in their day, clicking around to various websites and reading the blogs and articles produced by everyday, regular people.

Not highly refined content made by people who turned the internet into their jobs. Just regular people, spitting out writing that had typos and was basically just okay. But for all the professional things that it *wasn't*, the one thing that it *was* is human. It was human. It wasn't corporate or professional. It wasn't designed like TV, to fill a void in your heart.

It was just something really interesting, and you could nourish your brain with.

I wasn't involved in the blog scene when it was really happening, I was too young, but I've witnessed those sites since then, the ones that are still around. I really think it would be cool if we could find a way to return to that kind of culture. Reading things, interacting, referencing the websites of other individuals. I want that indie culture of the internet back. Why is everyone I follow some giant celebrity who does content creation as their full-time job? Where's the authentic humanity in that?

If you run a blog, or know any good blogs that you follow, feel free to link them below. Specifically ones run by individuals that aren't some marketing funnel for a side gig.

#blog #enshittification #attentionSpan #newGoodInternet #indieWeb

Do y'all remember when the internet used to be made up of blogs? When people had the attention span and the space in their day to just read things? The internet used to still feel magical enough that people would just spend time in their day, clicking around to various websites and reading the blogs and articles produced by everyday, regular people.

Not highly refined content made by people who turned the internet into their jobs. Just regular people, spitting out writing that had typos and was basically just okay. But for all the professional things that it *wasn't*, the one thing that it *was* is human. It was human. It wasn't corporate or professional. It wasn't designed like TV, to fill a void in your heart.

It was just something really interesting, and you could nourish your brain with.

I wasn't involved in the blog scene when it was really happening, I was too young, but I've witnessed those sites since then, the ones that are still around. I really think it would be cool if we could find a way to return to that kind of culture. Reading things, interacting, referencing the websites of other individuals. I want that indie culture of the internet back. Why is everyone I follow some giant celebrity who does content creation as their full-time job? Where's the authentic humanity in that?

If you run a blog, or know any good blogs that you follow, feel free to link them below. Specifically ones run by individuals that aren't some marketing funnel for a side gig.

#blog #enshittification #attentionSpan #newGoodInternet #indieWeb

Do y'all remember when the internet used to be made up of blogs? When people had the attention span and the space in their day to just read things? The internet used to still feel magical enough that people would just spend time in their day, clicking around to various websites and reading the blogs and articles produced by everyday, regular people.

Not highly refined content made by people who turned the internet into their jobs. Just regular people, spitting out writing that had typos and was basically just okay. But for all the professional things that it *wasn't*, the one thing that it *was* is human. It was human. It wasn't corporate or professional. It wasn't designed like TV, to fill a void in your heart.

It was just something really interesting, and you could nourish your brain with.

I wasn't involved in the blog scene when it was really happening, I was too young, but I've witnessed those sites since then, the ones that are still around. I really think it would be cool if we could find a way to return to that kind of culture. Reading things, interacting, referencing the websites of other individuals. I want that indie culture of the internet back. Why is everyone I follow some giant celebrity who does content creation as their full-time job? Where's the authentic humanity in that?

If you run a blog, or know any good blogs that you follow, feel free to link them below. Specifically ones run by individuals that aren't some marketing funnel for a side gig.

#blog #enshittification #attentionSpan #newGoodInternet #indieWeb

Do y'all remember when the internet used to be made up of blogs? When people had the attention span and the space in their day to just read things? The internet used to still feel magical enough that people would just spend time in their day, clicking around to various websites and reading the blogs and articles produced by everyday, regular people.

Not highly refined content made by people who turned the internet into their jobs. Just regular people, spitting out writing that had typos and was basically just okay. But for all the professional things that it *wasn't*, the one thing that it *was* is human. It was human. It wasn't corporate or professional. It wasn't designed like TV, to fill a void in your heart.

It was just something really interesting, and you could nourish your brain with.

I wasn't involved in the blog scene when it was really happening, I was too young, but I've witnessed those sites since then, the ones that are still around. I really think it would be cool if we could find a way to return to that kind of culture. Reading things, interacting, referencing the websites of other individuals. I want that indie culture of the internet back. Why is everyone I follow some giant celebrity who does content creation as their full-time job? Where's the authentic humanity in that?

If you run a blog, or know any good blogs that you follow, feel free to link them below. Specifically ones run by individuals that aren't some marketing funnel for a side gig.

#blog #enshittification #attentionSpan #newGoodInternet #indieWeb

Writing Slow in a Fast Place https://shahblog1.wordpress.com/2026/08/01/writing-slow-in-a-fast-place/ #AttentionSpan, #Blogging, #DigitalLife, #ReadingHabits, #Writing, #Writing-tips

Movies and the Attention Span
https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/2026/07/movies-run-time-attention/687994/?utm_source=feed
As young people struggle to sit through even an hour of a film, modern blockbusters are getting longer.
#mix #film #attentionspan

As young people struggle to sit through even an hour of a film, modern blockbusters are getting longer. #mix #film #attentionspan

https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/2026/07/movies-run-time-attention/687994/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

Posted into FLIPBOARD EXCHANGE FEED 🗞️ @flipboard-exchange-feed-Econopass

Modern Friendship: Two Coffees, Zero Conversation

You know, I met up with my buddy, Jeff, the other day. We used to be so close, always hanging out, shooting the shit, but now? We might as well be living on different planets! I mean, we arranged this whole thing, he came all the way across town, fought for a parking spot, waited in line for these overpriced coffees… and why? So he could sit there and scroll through TikTok for two hours straight!

I’m not even exaggerating! I get there, I say “Hey, what’s up?” He goes, “Yeah bro, crazy.” Then he starts showing me these videos, “Bro, look at this!” “Dude, check this out!” Every single one starts blasting at full volume, of course.  You’ve got a baby laughing, then suddenly it’s some guy screaming about stocks! I’m sitting there thinking, “What the hell is going on?”

He’s got these headphones too, they’re just sitting there on the table. Decorative headphones, that’s what they are! But nooo, we can’t have those. We gotta share his little algorithm with the entire café! The waiter, the couple next to us, probably people across the street – they’re all part of Jeff’s For You page now!

Imagine you’re just trying to enjoy your chai latte, reading a book or something. Then all of a sudden, you’re subjected to some teenager’s fitness routine, complete with screaming motivational music! And you, trying to have a private conversation with your girlfriend? Tough luck, because now you’re also a financial advisor!

And Jeff just keeps scrolling, scrolling, scrolling! I’m like, “Hey man, what’s new with you?” He barely hears me, just goes “Yeah, bro, crazy,” then hits me with another Reel. One minute it’s a dog barking, the next it’s some dude speaking in robot voices! I have no idea what’s happening anymore!

So here I am, shouting over his phone just to be heard. It’s like trying to talk to a toddler in a candy store! Finally, I tell him to turn it down. He does… But you know what’s really crazy? He’s actually enjoying this! He gets excited when the volume kicks up again. Like he’s living for the chaos!

And we’re not even the only ones! Everyone’s doing this now. Sitting in cafes, not talking to each other. Just staring at their phones, pretending they’re “charging” or whatever. “Oh yeah, we’re still friends. Look, we’re in the same room! See how we’re not looking at each other?” What a crock of shit!

I mean, these apps are clever. TikTok, Instagram Reels… they know how to keep us hooked. You think you’re just scrolling for fun, but really they’re playing mind games! Before you know it, you’re watching some 19 year old beside a rented sports car tell you how to manage your money. “Work on your side hustle, bro! Be your own boss!” What the fuck do you know about that?

And don’t get me started on all the crap we save for later! Recipes we’ll never make, workouts we’ll never do, dream holidays we’ll never afford. It’s like a graveyard of good intentions up in there! Meanwhile, we’re supposed to be friends. You know what we actually talked about? “Yeah, bro, crazy.”

But you know what the real kicker is? He messages me afterwards. “Good seeing you bro. We should do this more often.” Then he sends another video. I open it… and it starts blasting again. Full volume.  In a completely silent room. That’s modern friendship for you…. “Yeah, bro. Crazy”

Modern Friendship: Two Coffees, Zero Conversation

You know, I met up with my buddy, Jeff, the other day. We used to be so close, always hanging out, shooting the shit, but now? We might as well be living on different planets! I mean, we arranged this whole thing, he came all the way across town, fought for a parking spot, waited in line for these overpriced coffees… and why? So he could sit there and scroll through TikTok for two hours straight!

I’m not even exaggerating! I get there, I say “Hey, what’s up?” He goes, “Yeah bro, crazy.” Then he starts showing me these videos, “Bro, look at this!” “Dude, check this out!” Every single one starts blasting at full volume, of course.  You’ve got a baby laughing, then suddenly it’s some guy screaming about stocks! I’m sitting there thinking, “What the hell is going on?”

He’s got these headphones too, they’re just sitting there on the table. Decorative headphones, that’s what they are! But nooo, we can’t have those. We gotta share his little algorithm with the entire café! The waiter, the couple next to us, probably people across the street – they’re all part of Jeff’s For You page now!

Imagine you’re just trying to enjoy your chai latte, reading a book or something. Then all of a sudden, you’re subjected to some teenager’s fitness routine, complete with screaming motivational music! And you, trying to have a private conversation with your girlfriend? Tough luck, because now you’re also a financial advisor!

And Jeff just keeps scrolling, scrolling, scrolling! I’m like, “Hey man, what’s new with you?” He barely hears me, just goes “Yeah, bro, crazy,” then hits me with another Reel. One minute it’s a dog barking, the next it’s some dude speaking in robot voices! I have no idea what’s happening anymore!

So here I am, shouting over his phone just to be heard. It’s like trying to talk to a toddler in a candy store! Finally, I tell him to turn it down. He does… But you know what’s really crazy? He’s actually enjoying this! He gets excited when the volume kicks up again. Like he’s living for the chaos!

And we’re not even the only ones! Everyone’s doing this now. Sitting in cafes, not talking to each other. Just staring at their phones, pretending they’re “charging” or whatever. “Oh yeah, we’re still friends. Look, we’re in the same room! See how we’re not looking at each other?” What a crock of shit!

I mean, these apps are clever. TikTok, Instagram Reels… they know how to keep us hooked. You think you’re just scrolling for fun, but really they’re playing mind games! Before you know it, you’re watching some 19 year old beside a rented sports car tell you how to manage your money. “Work on your side hustle, bro! Be your own boss!” What the fuck do you know about that?

And don’t get me started on all the crap we save for later! Recipes we’ll never make, workouts we’ll never do, dream holidays we’ll never afford. It’s like a graveyard of good intentions up in there! Meanwhile, we’re supposed to be friends. You know what we actually talked about? “Yeah, bro, crazy.”

But you know what the real kicker is? He messages me afterwards. “Good seeing you bro. We should do this more often.” Then he sends another video. I open it… and it starts blasting again. Full volume.  In a completely silent room. That’s modern friendship for you…. “Yeah, bro. Crazy”

Modern Friendship: Two Coffees, Zero Conversation

You know, I met up with my buddy, Jeff, the other day. We used to be so close, always hanging out, shooting the shit, but now? We might as well be living on different planets! I mean, we arranged this whole thing, he came all the way across town, fought for a parking spot, waited in line for these overpriced coffees… and why? So he could sit there and scroll through TikTok for two hours straight!

I’m not even exaggerating! I get there, I say “Hey, what’s up?” He goes, “Yeah bro, crazy.” Then he starts showing me these videos, “Bro, look at this!” “Dude, check this out!” Every single one starts blasting at full volume, of course.  You’ve got a baby laughing, then suddenly it’s some guy screaming about stocks! I’m sitting there thinking, “What the hell is going on?”

He’s got these headphones too, they’re just sitting there on the table. Decorative headphones, that’s what they are! But nooo, we can’t have those. We gotta share his little algorithm with the entire café! The waiter, the couple next to us, probably people across the street – they’re all part of Jeff’s For You page now!

Imagine you’re just trying to enjoy your chai latte, reading a book or something. Then all of a sudden, you’re subjected to some teenager’s fitness routine, complete with screaming motivational music! And you, trying to have a private conversation with your girlfriend? Tough luck, because now you’re also a financial advisor!

And Jeff just keeps scrolling, scrolling, scrolling! I’m like, “Hey man, what’s new with you?” He barely hears me, just goes “Yeah, bro, crazy,” then hits me with another Reel. One minute it’s a dog barking, the next it’s some dude speaking in robot voices! I have no idea what’s happening anymore!

So here I am, shouting over his phone just to be heard. It’s like trying to talk to a toddler in a candy store! Finally, I tell him to turn it down. He does… But you know what’s really crazy? He’s actually enjoying this! He gets excited when the volume kicks up again. Like he’s living for the chaos!

And we’re not even the only ones! Everyone’s doing this now. Sitting in cafes, not talking to each other. Just staring at their phones, pretending they’re “charging” or whatever. “Oh yeah, we’re still friends. Look, we’re in the same room! See how we’re not looking at each other?” What a crock of shit!

I mean, these apps are clever. TikTok, Instagram Reels… they know how to keep us hooked. You think you’re just scrolling for fun, but really they’re playing mind games! Before you know it, you’re watching some 19 year old beside a rented sports car tell you how to manage your money. “Work on your side hustle, bro! Be your own boss!” What the fuck do you know about that?

And don’t get me started on all the crap we save for later! Recipes we’ll never make, workouts we’ll never do, dream holidays we’ll never afford. It’s like a graveyard of good intentions up in there! Meanwhile, we’re supposed to be friends. You know what we actually talked about? “Yeah, bro, crazy.”

But you know what the real kicker is? He messages me afterwards. “Good seeing you bro. We should do this more often.” Then he sends another video. I open it… and it starts blasting again. Full volume.  In a completely silent room. That’s modern friendship for you…. “Yeah, bro. Crazy”

Modern Friendship: Two Coffees, Zero Conversation

You know, I met up with my buddy, Jeff, the other day. We used to be so close, always hanging out, shooting the shit, but now? We might as well be living on different planets! I mean, we arranged this whole thing, he came all the way across town, fought for a parking spot, waited in line for these overpriced coffees… and why? So he could sit there and scroll through TikTok for two hours straight!

I’m not even exaggerating! I get there, I say “Hey, what’s up?” He goes, “Yeah bro, crazy.” Then he starts showing me these videos, “Bro, look at this!” “Dude, check this out!” Every single one starts blasting at full volume, of course.  You’ve got a baby laughing, then suddenly it’s some guy screaming about stocks! I’m sitting there thinking, “What the hell is going on?”

He’s got these headphones too, they’re just sitting there on the table. Decorative headphones, that’s what they are! But nooo, we can’t have those. We gotta share his little algorithm with the entire café! The waiter, the couple next to us, probably people across the street – they’re all part of Jeff’s For You page now!

Imagine you’re just trying to enjoy your chai latte, reading a book or something. Then all of a sudden, you’re subjected to some teenager’s fitness routine, complete with screaming motivational music! And you, trying to have a private conversation with your girlfriend? Tough luck, because now you’re also a financial advisor!

And Jeff just keeps scrolling, scrolling, scrolling! I’m like, “Hey man, what’s new with you?” He barely hears me, just goes “Yeah, bro, crazy,” then hits me with another Reel. One minute it’s a dog barking, the next it’s some dude speaking in robot voices! I have no idea what’s happening anymore!

So here I am, shouting over his phone just to be heard. It’s like trying to talk to a toddler in a candy store! Finally, I tell him to turn it down. He does… But you know what’s really crazy? He’s actually enjoying this! He gets excited when the volume kicks up again. Like he’s living for the chaos!

And we’re not even the only ones! Everyone’s doing this now. Sitting in cafes, not talking to each other. Just staring at their phones, pretending they’re “charging” or whatever. “Oh yeah, we’re still friends. Look, we’re in the same room! See how we’re not looking at each other?” What a crock of shit!

I mean, these apps are clever. TikTok, Instagram Reels… they know how to keep us hooked. You think you’re just scrolling for fun, but really they’re playing mind games! Before you know it, you’re watching some 19 year old beside a rented sports car tell you how to manage your money. “Work on your side hustle, bro! Be your own boss!” What the fuck do you know about that?

And don’t get me started on all the crap we save for later! Recipes we’ll never make, workouts we’ll never do, dream holidays we’ll never afford. It’s like a graveyard of good intentions up in there! Meanwhile, we’re supposed to be friends. You know what we actually talked about? “Yeah, bro, crazy.”

But you know what the real kicker is? He messages me afterwards. “Good seeing you bro. We should do this more often.” Then he sends another video. I open it… and it starts blasting again. Full volume.  In a completely silent room. That’s modern friendship for you…. “Yeah, bro. Crazy”

Modern Friendship: Two Coffees, Zero Conversation

You know, I met up with my buddy, Jeff, the other day. We used to be so close, always hanging out, shooting the shit, but now? We might as well be living on different planets! I mean, we arranged this whole thing, he came all the way across town, fought for a parking spot, waited in line for these overpriced coffees… and why? So he could sit there and scroll through TikTok for two hours straight!

I’m not even exaggerating! I get there, I say “Hey, what’s up?” He goes, “Yeah bro, crazy.” Then he starts showing me these videos, “Bro, look at this!” “Dude, check this out!” Every single one starts blasting at full volume, of course.  You’ve got a baby laughing, then suddenly it’s some guy screaming about stocks! I’m sitting there thinking, “What the hell is going on?”

He’s got these headphones too, they’re just sitting there on the table. Decorative headphones, that’s what they are! But nooo, we can’t have those. We gotta share his little algorithm with the entire café! The waiter, the couple next to us, probably people across the street – they’re all part of Jeff’s For You page now!

Imagine you’re just trying to enjoy your chai latte, reading a book or something. Then all of a sudden, you’re subjected to some teenager’s fitness routine, complete with screaming motivational music! And you, trying to have a private conversation with your girlfriend? Tough luck, because now you’re also a financial advisor!

And Jeff just keeps scrolling, scrolling, scrolling! I’m like, “Hey man, what’s new with you?” He barely hears me, just goes “Yeah, bro, crazy,” then hits me with another Reel. One minute it’s a dog barking, the next it’s some dude speaking in robot voices! I have no idea what’s happening anymore!

So here I am, shouting over his phone just to be heard. It’s like trying to talk to a toddler in a candy store! Finally, I tell him to turn it down. He does… But you know what’s really crazy? He’s actually enjoying this! He gets excited when the volume kicks up again. Like he’s living for the chaos!

And we’re not even the only ones! Everyone’s doing this now. Sitting in cafes, not talking to each other. Just staring at their phones, pretending they’re “charging” or whatever. “Oh yeah, we’re still friends. Look, we’re in the same room! See how we’re not looking at each other?” What a crock of shit!

I mean, these apps are clever. TikTok, Instagram Reels… they know how to keep us hooked. You think you’re just scrolling for fun, but really they’re playing mind games! Before you know it, you’re watching some 19 year old beside a rented sports car tell you how to manage your money. “Work on your side hustle, bro! Be your own boss!” What the fuck do you know about that?

And don’t get me started on all the crap we save for later! Recipes we’ll never make, workouts we’ll never do, dream holidays we’ll never afford. It’s like a graveyard of good intentions up in there! Meanwhile, we’re supposed to be friends. You know what we actually talked about? “Yeah, bro, crazy.”

But you know what the real kicker is? He messages me afterwards. “Good seeing you bro. We should do this more often.” Then he sends another video. I open it… and it starts blasting again. Full volume.  In a completely silent room. That’s modern friendship for you…. “Yeah, bro. Crazy”

With attention spans changing, Americans have settled on the new perfect length of a movie

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.upworthy.com/with-attention-spans-changing-americans-have-settled-on-perfect-movie-length/

Welcome to the pinnacle of human achievement: a tech blog teaching you how to stop an AI from repeating the phrase "load-bearing" as if it's some kind of linguistic virus. 🦠 Apparently, the secret involves a 2-minute read, which is either a testament to our attention spans or a deep dive into the art of stating the obvious. 📚🤦‍♂️
https://jola.dev/posts/how-to-stop-claude-from-saying-load-bearing #techblog #AIhumor #languagelearning #attentionspan #statingtheobvious #HackerNews #ngated

Welcome to the pinnacle of human achievement: a tech blog teaching you how to stop an AI from repeating the phrase "load-bearing" as if it's some kind of linguistic virus. 🦠 Apparently, the secret involves a 2-minute read, which is either a testament to our attention spans or a deep dive into the art of stating the obvious. 📚🤦‍♂️
https://jola.dev/posts/how-to-stop-claude-from-saying-load-bearing #techblog #AIhumor #languagelearning #attentionspan #statingtheobvious #HackerNews #ngated

Welcome to the pinnacle of human achievement: a tech blog teaching you how to stop an AI from repeating the phrase "load-bearing" as if it's some kind of linguistic virus. 🦠 Apparently, the secret involves a 2-minute read, which is either a testament to our attention spans or a deep dive into the art of stating the obvious. 📚🤦‍♂️
https://jola.dev/posts/how-to-stop-claude-from-saying-load-bearing #techblog #AIhumor #languagelearning #attentionspan #statingtheobvious #HackerNews #ngated

Welcome to the pinnacle of human achievement: a tech blog teaching you how to stop an AI from repeating the phrase "load-bearing" as if it's some kind of linguistic virus. 🦠 Apparently, the secret involves a 2-minute read, which is either a testament to our attention spans or a deep dive into the art of stating the obvious. 📚🤦‍♂️
https://jola.dev/posts/how-to-stop-claude-from-saying-load-bearing #techblog #AIhumor #languagelearning #attentionspan #statingtheobvious #HackerNews #ngated

Welcome to the pinnacle of human achievement: a tech blog teaching you how to stop an AI from repeating the phrase "load-bearing" as if it's some kind of linguistic virus. 🦠 Apparently, the secret involves a 2-minute read, which is either a testament to our attention spans or a deep dive into the art of stating the obvious. 📚🤦‍♂️
https://jola.dev/posts/how-to-stop-claude-from-saying-load-bearing #techblog #AIhumor #languagelearning #attentionspan #statingtheobvious #HackerNews #ngated

🦭 So, there's this "game" where you control a seal named Neil, who presumably has the attention span of a goldfish 🐟 and the excitement of a sloth 🦥. The "controls" are a jumbled mess of random keys, as if designed by a seal flopping on a keyboard 🎹. How about a game where we control the developer to make something playable instead? 🚀
https://neiltheseal.app/ #sealgame #attentionspan #gaminghumor #developercontrol #indiegame #HackerNews #ngated

🦭 So, there's this "game" where you control a seal named Neil, who presumably has the attention span of a goldfish 🐟 and the excitement of a sloth 🦥. The "controls" are a jumbled mess of random keys, as if designed by a seal flopping on a keyboard 🎹. How about a game where we control the developer to make something playable instead? 🚀
https://neiltheseal.app/ #sealgame #attentionspan #gaminghumor #developercontrol #indiegame #HackerNews #ngated

🦭 So, there's this "game" where you control a seal named Neil, who presumably has the attention span of a goldfish 🐟 and the excitement of a sloth 🦥. The "controls" are a jumbled mess of random keys, as if designed by a seal flopping on a keyboard 🎹. How about a game where we control the developer to make something playable instead? 🚀
https://neiltheseal.app/ #sealgame #attentionspan #gaminghumor #developercontrol #indiegame #HackerNews #ngated

🦭 So, there's this "game" where you control a seal named Neil, who presumably has the attention span of a goldfish 🐟 and the excitement of a sloth 🦥. The "controls" are a jumbled mess of random keys, as if designed by a seal flopping on a keyboard 🎹. How about a game where we control the developer to make something playable instead? 🚀
https://neiltheseal.app/ #sealgame #attentionspan #gaminghumor #developercontrol #indiegame #HackerNews #ngated

🦭 So, there's this "game" where you control a seal named Neil, who presumably has the attention span of a goldfish 🐟 and the excitement of a sloth 🦥. The "controls" are a jumbled mess of random keys, as if designed by a seal flopping on a keyboard 🎹. How about a game where we control the developer to make something playable instead? 🚀
https://neiltheseal.app/ #sealgame #attentionspan #gaminghumor #developercontrol #indiegame #HackerNews #ngated

Fast news. Cartoon for Dutch newspaper Trouw.

#news #NewsCycle #journalism #media #AttentionSpan

Fast news. Cartoon for Dutch newspaper Trouw.

#news #NewsCycle #journalism #media #AttentionSpan

Fast news. Cartoon for Dutch newspaper Trouw.

#news #NewsCycle #journalism #media #AttentionSpan

Fast news. Cartoon for Dutch newspaper Trouw.

#news #NewsCycle #journalism #media #AttentionSpan

Fast news. Cartoon for Dutch newspaper Trouw.

#news #NewsCycle #journalism #media #AttentionSpan

Scientists Have Discovered an Ancient Brain Circuit That Filters Distractions https://www.byteseu.com/2147930/ #ADHD #attention #AttentionSpan #Brain #BrainCircuit #distractions #neurons #Science #TheBrain

🐢 Efficient C++? In 2023?! 😂 A riveting read on CPU cycles that assumes you have the attention span of a goldfish and the patience of a saint. 📈 Dive deep into #infographics because, apparently, nothing screams 'modern' like charts we've been ignoring since 1996. 📊
https://6it.dev/blog/infographics-operation-costs-in-cpu-clock-cycles-take-2-80736 #EfficientCpp #CPUcycles #ModernCharts #AttentionSpan #HackerNews #ngated

🐢 Efficient C++? In 2023?! 😂 A riveting read on CPU cycles that assumes you have the attention span of a goldfish and the patience of a saint. 📈 Dive deep into #infographics because, apparently, nothing screams 'modern' like charts we've been ignoring since 1996. 📊
https://6it.dev/blog/infographics-operation-costs-in-cpu-clock-cycles-take-2-80736 #EfficientCpp #CPUcycles #ModernCharts #AttentionSpan #HackerNews #ngated

🐢 Efficient C++? In 2023?! 😂 A riveting read on CPU cycles that assumes you have the attention span of a goldfish and the patience of a saint. 📈 Dive deep into #infographics because, apparently, nothing screams 'modern' like charts we've been ignoring since 1996. 📊
https://6it.dev/blog/infographics-operation-costs-in-cpu-clock-cycles-take-2-80736 #EfficientCpp #CPUcycles #ModernCharts #AttentionSpan #HackerNews #ngated

🐢 Efficient C++? In 2023?! 😂 A riveting read on CPU cycles that assumes you have the attention span of a goldfish and the patience of a saint. 📈 Dive deep into #infographics because, apparently, nothing screams 'modern' like charts we've been ignoring since 1996. 📊
https://6it.dev/blog/infographics-operation-costs-in-cpu-clock-cycles-take-2-80736 #EfficientCpp #CPUcycles #ModernCharts #AttentionSpan #HackerNews #ngated

🐢 Efficient C++? In 2023?! 😂 A riveting read on CPU cycles that assumes you have the attention span of a goldfish and the patience of a saint. 📈 Dive deep into #infographics because, apparently, nothing screams 'modern' like charts we've been ignoring since 1996. 📊
https://6it.dev/blog/infographics-operation-costs-in-cpu-clock-cycles-take-2-80736 #EfficientCpp #CPUcycles #ModernCharts #AttentionSpan #HackerNews #ngated

The Dandelions

If this entire post appears in the body of your email, click the title to read it in its natural blog setting.

During the grand opening ceremonies of a worldwide sporting event the other day, six military jets in tight formation roared over the stadium, low in the sky, trailing coloured vapour plumes to match the host country’s flag. Their presence lasted but an instant; they weren’t there, then they were, then they weren’t.

It occurred to me that, prior to their arrival, no one in the crowd was likely thinking about them. In the brief moment they were overhead, everyone was. But mere seconds after they were gone, most had likely forgotten all about them again, attention shifted to what was happening next.

I considered the scene analogous to the ever-shrinking attention span of our human species. We tend to focus on what is right in front of us, but only while it’s in front of us. Once it isn’t, we switch attention to whatever is next in front of us. Like scrolling.

Thinking, rather than being a critical, contemplative brain activity, is being reduced to bits and bites lasting only seconds. Reacting, in fact, not true thinking at all. Stimulus/response in place of thoughtful consideration and planning.

We would be doomed, I think, if we were required to focus our whole being on something for an extended period of time, as our distant ancestors had to while stalking game for food on distant savannahs. Had they allowed themselves to be distracted as easily as we do, they’d have starved to death, and none of us would be here today.

Life is much like the appearance of those jets in a way. As individuals, first we weren’t here, now we are, and eventually we won’t be. Collectively, going back perhaps 300,000 years, modern humans, homo sapiens, weren’t here; now we are; eventually, if the fate of other species is any indicator, we may not be.

Science tells us that more than ninety-nine percent of all species of life that have ever inhabited Earth are now extinct. When one considers the enormous number of life-forms still extant and sharing the planet with us today, the overall number of living creatures that once were here and now are not is staggering.

Individually, we are similar to dandelions, if you think of it. We might look out the window one day and spy a dandelion despoiling the pristine, green expanse of our lawn. If we leave it to its own devices, the dastardly weed will grow apace (doubtless in company with scores of comrades); then it will spread its seeds, miniature, white parachutists blown on the wind; and then finally, it will wither and die.

Or, we could choose to interrupt its life-cycle by stomping it under our heel, exposing it to toxic chemicals, uprooting it, or even turning it into wine. Either way—whether we leave it or interfere with it—it wasn’t there, then it was, then it wasn’t.

We are the same. Many of us live out our proverbial threescore-and-ten—some less, some more—spreading our seed as we go, and then die a natural death. Others of us, beaten down ‘neath the harsh heel of neglect and apathy, die prematurely. Still others, afflicted with a wasting disease, perhaps exposed to toxic chemicals intended to stem its progress, slowly wither and die. And still more are violently uprooted from their homes by violence or starvation or natural disaster, and are left to die alone.

Mortality is a subject I think about more often now than when I was younger. I contemplate my own, of course, though I do not fear it. Fearing death is like fearing the sunrise; it’s going to happen whether it’s feared or not, so why waste time dwelling on it? As I wrote in one of my poetic offerings—

I haven’t the time to dwell on life’s finish,
‘Though I know it lurks, that’s certain.
When all has been said, I still look ahead
To life’s next opening curtain.

I confess, however, that the demise of our human species is something I do think about. Not because it will affect me directly; I’ll be long-embarked on whatever journey is next for me by then.

But increasingly, it seems to me, humankind is separating itself into two broad factions: the many drones who think rarely for themselves and react self-servingly to whatever stimuli they encounter, content with the base pleasures they eke out; and the despoilers, fewer in number, who think deeply and conspire self-servingly to enrich themselves at the expense of the rest.

I’m pretty sure there is a third group, much smaller, who think first of others, not themselves, and who fight the good fight against the drones and despoilers. But alas, they are running out of time to win that fight. All harbingers are pointing to cataclysmic changes in the earth’s traditional, heretofore dependable cycles, patterns we have known and depended on for our entire lives.

But the effects of those changes aren’t here yet, not in sufficient abundance to alarm the majority of us. It seems that, as a species, we won’t admit they exist—just as that crowd in the stadium didn’t know about the jets in advance.

We’ll know when the effects begin to announce themselves fully, though—earthquakes, floods, wildfires, drought, increasing temperatures, rising sea-levels, climate-forced migration, and, of course, mass death. We’ll pay attention then.

My fear is that, unlike the other examples I’ve mentioned, where things aren’t here, then are, and then aren’t again, the massive changes rushing pell-mell at us will not disappear. They will linger to become the new normal for millennia to come.

And thus, it is we of whom some far-in-the-future, interstellar observer might say, “Human beings? Yeah, they weren’t there, then for hundreds of thousands of years they were, and then they weren’t.”

I console myself that perhaps the dandelions will survive.

The Dandelions

If this entire post appears in the body of your email, click the title to read it in its natural blog setting.

During the grand opening ceremonies of a worldwide sporting event the other day, six military jets in tight formation roared over the stadium, low in the sky, trailing coloured vapour plumes to match the host country’s flag. Their presence lasted but an instant; they weren’t there, then they were, then they weren’t.

It occurred to me that, prior to their arrival, no one in the crowd was likely thinking about them. In the brief moment they were overhead, everyone was. But mere seconds after they were gone, most had likely forgotten all about them again, attention shifted to what was happening next.

I considered the scene analogous to the ever-shrinking attention span of our human species. We tend to focus on what is right in front of us, but only while it’s in front of us. Once it isn’t, we switch attention to whatever is next in front of us. Like scrolling.

Thinking, rather than being a critical, contemplative brain activity, is being reduced to bits and bites lasting only seconds. Reacting, in fact, not true thinking at all. Stimulus/response in place of thoughtful consideration and planning.

We would be doomed, I think, if we were required to focus our whole being on something for an extended period of time, as our distant ancestors had to while stalking game for food on distant savannahs. Had they allowed themselves to be distracted as easily as we do, they’d have starved to death, and none of us would be here today.

Life is much like the appearance of those jets in a way. As individuals, first we weren’t here, now we are, and eventually we won’t be. Collectively, going back perhaps 300,000 years, modern humans, homo sapiens, weren’t here; now we are; eventually, if the fate of other species is any indicator, we may not be.

Science tells us that more than ninety-nine percent of all species of life that have ever inhabited Earth are now extinct. When one considers the enormous number of life-forms still extant and sharing the planet with us today, the overall number of living creatures that once were here and now are not is staggering.

Individually, we are similar to dandelions, if you think of it. We might look out the window one day and spy a dandelion despoiling the pristine, green expanse of our lawn. If we leave it to its own devices, the dastardly weed will grow apace (doubtless in company with scores of comrades); then it will spread its seeds, miniature, white parachutists blown on the wind; and then finally, it will wither and die.

Or, we could choose to interrupt its life-cycle by stomping it under our heel, exposing it to toxic chemicals, uprooting it, or even turning it into wine. Either way—whether we leave it or interfere with it—it wasn’t there, then it was, then it wasn’t.

We are the same. Many of us live out our proverbial threescore-and-ten—some less, some more—spreading our seed as we go, and then die a natural death. Others of us, beaten down ‘neath the harsh heel of neglect and apathy, die prematurely. Still others, afflicted with a wasting disease, perhaps exposed to toxic chemicals intended to stem its progress, slowly wither and die. And still more are violently uprooted from their homes by violence or starvation or natural disaster, and are left to die alone.

Mortality is a subject I think about more often now than when I was younger. I contemplate my own, of course, though I do not fear it. Fearing death is like fearing the sunrise; it’s going to happen whether it’s feared or not, so why waste time dwelling on it? As I wrote in one of my poetic offerings—

I haven’t the time to dwell on life’s finish,
‘Though I know it lurks, that’s certain.
When all has been said, I still look ahead
To life’s next opening curtain.

I confess, however, that the demise of our human species is something I do think about. Not because it will affect me directly; I’ll be long-embarked on whatever journey is next for me by then.

But increasingly, it seems to me, humankind is separating itself into two broad factions: the many drones who think rarely for themselves and react self-servingly to whatever stimuli they encounter, content with the base pleasures they eke out; and the despoilers, fewer in number, who think deeply and conspire self-servingly to enrich themselves at the expense of the rest.

I’m pretty sure there is a third group, much smaller, who think first of others, not themselves, and who fight the good fight against the drones and despoilers. But alas, they are running out of time to win that fight. All harbingers are pointing to cataclysmic changes in the earth’s traditional, heretofore dependable cycles, patterns we have known and depended on for our entire lives.

But the effects of those changes aren’t here yet, not in sufficient abundance to alarm the majority of us. It seems that, as a species, we won’t admit they exist—just as that crowd in the stadium didn’t know about the jets in advance.

We’ll know when the effects begin to announce themselves fully, though—earthquakes, floods, wildfires, drought, increasing temperatures, rising sea-levels, climate-forced migration, and, of course, mass death. We’ll pay attention then.

My fear is that, unlike the other examples I’ve mentioned, where things aren’t here, then are, and then aren’t again, the massive changes rushing pell-mell at us will not disappear. They will linger to become the new normal for millennia to come.

And thus, it is we of whom some far-in-the-future, interstellar observer might say, “Human beings? Yeah, they weren’t there, then for hundreds of thousands of years they were, and then they weren’t.”

I console myself that perhaps the dandelions will survive.

The Dandelions

If this entire post appears in the body of your email, click the title to read it in its natural blog setting.

During the grand opening ceremonies of a worldwide sporting event the other day, six military jets in tight formation roared over the stadium, low in the sky, trailing coloured vapour plumes to match the host country’s flag. Their presence lasted but an instant; they weren’t there, then they were, then they weren’t.

It occurred to me that, prior to their arrival, no one in the crowd was likely thinking about them. In the brief moment they were overhead, everyone was. But mere seconds after they were gone, most had likely forgotten all about them again, attention shifted to what was happening next.

I considered the scene analogous to the ever-shrinking attention span of our human species. We tend to focus on what is right in front of us, but only while it’s in front of us. Once it isn’t, we switch attention to whatever is next in front of us. Like scrolling.

Thinking, rather than being a critical, contemplative brain activity, is being reduced to bits and bites lasting only seconds. Reacting, in fact, not true thinking at all. Stimulus/response in place of thoughtful consideration and planning.

We would be doomed, I think, if we were required to focus our whole being on something for an extended period of time, as our distant ancestors had to while stalking game for food on distant savannahs. Had they allowed themselves to be distracted as easily as we do, they’d have starved to death, and none of us would be here today.

Life is much like the appearance of those jets in a way. As individuals, first we weren’t here, now we are, and eventually we won’t be. Collectively, going back perhaps 300,000 years, modern humans, homo sapiens, weren’t here; now we are; eventually, if the fate of other species is any indicator, we may not be.

Science tells us that more than ninety-nine percent of all species of life that have ever inhabited Earth are now extinct. When one considers the enormous number of life-forms still extant and sharing the planet with us today, the overall number of living creatures that once were here and now are not is staggering.

Individually, we are similar to dandelions, if you think of it. We might look out the window one day and spy a dandelion despoiling the pristine, green expanse of our lawn. If we leave it to its own devices, the dastardly weed will grow apace (doubtless in company with scores of comrades); then it will spread its seeds, miniature, white parachutists blown on the wind; and then finally, it will wither and die.

Or, we could choose to interrupt its life-cycle by stomping it under our heel, exposing it to toxic chemicals, uprooting it, or even turning it into wine. Either way—whether we leave it or interfere with it—it wasn’t there, then it was, then it wasn’t.

We are the same. Many of us live out our proverbial threescore-and-ten—some less, some more—spreading our seed as we go, and then die a natural death. Others of us, beaten down ‘neath the harsh heel of neglect and apathy, die prematurely. Still others, afflicted with a wasting disease, perhaps exposed to toxic chemicals intended to stem its progress, slowly wither and die. And still more are violently uprooted from their homes by violence or starvation or natural disaster, and are left to die alone.

Mortality is a subject I think about more often now than when I was younger. I contemplate my own, of course, though I do not fear it. Fearing death is like fearing the sunrise; it’s going to happen whether it’s feared or not, so why waste time dwelling on it? As I wrote in one of my poetic offerings—

I haven’t the time to dwell on life’s finish,
‘Though I know it lurks, that’s certain.
When all has been said, I still look ahead
To life’s next opening curtain.

I confess, however, that the demise of our human species is something I do think about. Not because it will affect me directly; I’ll be long-embarked on whatever journey is next for me by then.

But increasingly, it seems to me, humankind is separating itself into two broad factions: the many drones who think rarely for themselves and react self-servingly to whatever stimuli they encounter, content with the base pleasures they eke out; and the despoilers, fewer in number, who think deeply and conspire self-servingly to enrich themselves at the expense of the rest.

I’m pretty sure there is a third group, much smaller, who think first of others, not themselves, and who fight the good fight against the drones and despoilers. But alas, they are running out of time to win that fight. All harbingers are pointing to cataclysmic changes in the earth’s traditional, heretofore dependable cycles, patterns we have known and depended on for our entire lives.

But the effects of those changes aren’t here yet, not in sufficient abundance to alarm the majority of us. It seems that, as a species, we won’t admit they exist—just as that crowd in the stadium didn’t know about the jets in advance.

We’ll know when the effects begin to announce themselves fully, though—earthquakes, floods, wildfires, drought, increasing temperatures, rising sea-levels, climate-forced migration, and, of course, mass death. We’ll pay attention then.

My fear is that, unlike the other examples I’ve mentioned, where things aren’t here, then are, and then aren’t again, the massive changes rushing pell-mell at us will not disappear. They will linger to become the new normal for millennia to come.

And thus, it is we of whom some far-in-the-future, interstellar observer might say, “Human beings? Yeah, they weren’t there, then for hundreds of thousands of years they were, and then they weren’t.”

I console myself that perhaps the dandelions will survive.

The Dandelions

If this entire post appears in the body of your email, click the title to read it in its natural blog setting.

During the grand opening ceremonies of a worldwide sporting event the other day, six military jets in tight formation roared over the stadium, low in the sky, trailing coloured vapour plumes to match the host country’s flag. Their presence lasted but an instant; they weren’t there, then they were, then they weren’t.

It occurred to me that, prior to their arrival, no one in the crowd was likely thinking about them. In the brief moment they were overhead, everyone was. But mere seconds after they were gone, most had likely forgotten all about them again, attention shifted to what was happening next.

I considered the scene analogous to the ever-shrinking attention span of our human species. We tend to focus on what is right in front of us, but only while it’s in front of us. Once it isn’t, we switch attention to whatever is next in front of us. Like scrolling.

Thinking, rather than being a critical, contemplative brain activity, is being reduced to bits and bites lasting only seconds. Reacting, in fact, not true thinking at all. Stimulus/response in place of thoughtful consideration and planning.

We would be doomed, I think, if we were required to focus our whole being on something for an extended period of time, as our distant ancestors had to while stalking game for food on distant savannahs. Had they allowed themselves to be distracted as easily as we do, they’d have starved to death, and none of us would be here today.

Life is much like the appearance of those jets in a way. As individuals, first we weren’t here, now we are, and eventually we won’t be. Collectively, going back perhaps 300,000 years, modern humans, homo sapiens, weren’t here; now we are; eventually, if the fate of other species is any indicator, we may not be.

Science tells us that more than ninety-nine percent of all species of life that have ever inhabited Earth are now extinct. When one considers the enormous number of life-forms still extant and sharing the planet with us today, the overall number of living creatures that once were here and now are not is staggering.

Individually, we are similar to dandelions, if you think of it. We might look out the window one day and spy a dandelion despoiling the pristine, green expanse of our lawn. If we leave it to its own devices, the dastardly weed will grow apace (doubtless in company with scores of comrades); then it will spread its seeds, miniature, white parachutists blown on the wind; and then finally, it will wither and die.

Or, we could choose to interrupt its life-cycle by stomping it under our heel, exposing it to toxic chemicals, uprooting it, or even turning it into wine. Either way—whether we leave it or interfere with it—it wasn’t there, then it was, then it wasn’t.

We are the same. Many of us live out our proverbial threescore-and-ten—some less, some more—spreading our seed as we go, and then die a natural death. Others of us, beaten down ‘neath the harsh heel of neglect and apathy, die prematurely. Still others, afflicted with a wasting disease, perhaps exposed to toxic chemicals intended to stem its progress, slowly wither and die. And still more are violently uprooted from their homes by violence or starvation or natural disaster, and are left to die alone.

Mortality is a subject I think about more often now than when I was younger. I contemplate my own, of course, though I do not fear it. Fearing death is like fearing the sunrise; it’s going to happen whether it’s feared or not, so why waste time dwelling on it? As I wrote in one of my poetic offerings—

I haven’t the time to dwell on life’s finish,
‘Though I know it lurks, that’s certain.
When all has been said, I still look ahead
To life’s next opening curtain.

I confess, however, that the demise of our human species is something I do think about. Not because it will affect me directly; I’ll be long-embarked on whatever journey is next for me by then.

But increasingly, it seems to me, humankind is separating itself into two broad factions: the many drones who think rarely for themselves and react self-servingly to whatever stimuli they encounter, content with the base pleasures they eke out; and the despoilers, fewer in number, who think deeply and conspire self-servingly to enrich themselves at the expense of the rest.

I’m pretty sure there is a third group, much smaller, who think first of others, not themselves, and who fight the good fight against the drones and despoilers. But alas, they are running out of time to win that fight. All harbingers are pointing to cataclysmic changes in the earth’s traditional, heretofore dependable cycles, patterns we have known and depended on for our entire lives.

But the effects of those changes aren’t here yet, not in sufficient abundance to alarm the majority of us. It seems that, as a species, we won’t admit they exist—just as that crowd in the stadium didn’t know about the jets in advance.

We’ll know when the effects begin to announce themselves fully, though—earthquakes, floods, wildfires, drought, increasing temperatures, rising sea-levels, climate-forced migration, and, of course, mass death. We’ll pay attention then.

My fear is that, unlike the other examples I’ve mentioned, where things aren’t here, then are, and then aren’t again, the massive changes rushing pell-mell at us will not disappear. They will linger to become the new normal for millennia to come.

And thus, it is we of whom some far-in-the-future, interstellar observer might say, “Human beings? Yeah, they weren’t there, then for hundreds of thousands of years they were, and then they weren’t.”

I console myself that perhaps the dandelions will survive.